PiperJaffray updates expectations for future Apple products

Following Apple\'s earnings announcement on Wednesday, analysts for PiperJaffray weighed in with their predictions what new products may be in the company\'s pipeline and when they may first appear.

Analyst Gene Munster told clients on Thursday he expects Apple will launch higher capacity iPod nanos and a new video iPod later this year.

\"Last night, Portal Player announced that its PP5021 SoC, which will be available in the second half of 2006, has not been selected for use on mid-range and high-range flash-based iPods,\" the analyst said in a research note. Munster believes the announcement provides some confirmation that Apple will indeed launch higher capacity iPod nanos, such as 8GB and 10GB models, later this year.

\"We expect to see a higher capacity iPod nano in the market in late summer or early fall,\" the analyst wrote. \"Releasing new nanos during the back-to-school timeframe would allow Apple to capitalize on this seasonally stronger buying period, but, more importantly, we need to see the products in the market by October-November to take full advantage of holiday buying.\"

While Munster does expect Apple to launch a large screen video iPod at some point, he said it\'s difficult to pin-point the timing of such a rollout. \"Apple\'s strategy could be to wait for increased availability of video content on iTunes, such as feature film, which would likely cause the company to hold back on launching in 2006,\" he said.

Meanwhile, Munster predicts Apple will not announce an Intel iBook (MacBook) until July, seeing as Apple said its strong educational buying months fall between July and September. \"Also,\" the analyst said, \"Apple\'s guidance for the June quarter does not appear to factor in an uptick in iBook, adding to our confidence that the new iBook won\'t ship until July.\"

Due to the fact that many professionals are awaiting on Intel-native Adobe software before upgrading to Apple\'s new Intel Macs, Munster does not expect a new PowerMac until the fall months of Sept. through Nov.

The analyst also predicts Apple will ship Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard at Macworld in January 2007 and says Boot Camp will be \"the most significant new feature\" in the operating system update.

PiperJaffray maintains an Outperform rating on Apple shares with a price target of $99.

So basically he knows as much as the rest of us. And he's wrong about the MacBook's! Pure genius. Oh and forgot to mention, he has no clue what goes on behind the scenes at apple, and likes taking educated guesses. Although that probably wouldn't sound so good to (his) clients.

I don't get the video iPod. Sorry folks. I'm sure Apple is planning it. But I just don't get it. I just don't see a huge market (like iPod) for people that want/need to watch video on the go. NOTE: I'm saying not HUGE...I'm not saying NO market.

It seems to me the huge market for video is in the home. Hooked up to my TV.

Will Apple go this route?

I have long suspected that they will (Mac mini + Front Row as the basic platform). But all I hear about is video iPod. Unless there is something else to this thing than we already expect (doubtful)...it seems like a potentially disappointing product.

Originally posted by Chris CuillaI don't get the video iPod. Sorry folks. I'm sure Apple is planning it. But I just don't get it. I just don't see a huge market (like iPod) for people that want/need to watch video on the go. NOTE: I'm saying not HUGE...I'm not saying NO market.

It seems to me the huge market for video is in the home. Hooked up to my TV.

Will Apple go this route?

I have long suspected that they will (Mac mini + Front Row as the basic platform). But all I hear about is video iPod. Unless there is something else to this thing than we already expect (doubtful)...it seems like a potentially disappointing product.

The iPod video has been for sale for a while, and it sells pretty well. It's just a higher capacity iPod that plays video. My next iPod is going to be one. I have a few video pod-casts that I subscribe to that I watch on my computer now, but I would prefer to be able to watch them daily at work on my lunch break. There are a few people at my work that have them, and everybody wants one. More so than the guy that has the PSP which I thought was interesting.

Chris I agreed with you.
Even thought an Ipod with larger screen will be welcome. I have never understood the excitement of watching video on a tiny screen. It's fun but I rather watch video on a larger screen.

I rather have a DVR solution that can integrate my songs, photos and videos with my entertainment system. That will be a killer market for Apple.
The Iphone too could be a great market too.

The video ipod is nice, but the ipod still for me as mainly a music device. I would like Apple to figure out a way to input data while on the road. Sort like a PDA. It would useful specially for calendars, contact, etc.

Originally posted by IrelandSo basically he knows as much as the rest of us. And he's wrong about the MacBook's! Pure genius. Oh and forgot to mention, he has no clue what goes on behind the scenes at apple, and likes taking educated guesses. Although that probably wouldn't sound so good to (his) clients.

You know nothing about the MacBooks. Rumors are flying all around. Don't pretend that they are facts.

How do you know that he knows nothing about what goes on at Apple? Do you?